Quinn Winter Wonderland

About a year ago I posted a picture of these two, and Rizzo was greatly dwarfed by Osgood. Now its not so. Rizzo and Osgood are the best of pals, and Rizzo and Franklin are really great pals too. Lucky for us that Osgood tolerates Franklin for the most part.

I started having more allergy problems with our cats so we finally gave them baths. Rizzo was extremely upset, and didn't cooperate very well. He sure looks cool when he's wet though because you can see that his fur is actually white underneath. We've realized that if we ever shaved Rizzo he really would be an all white cat when it grew back. Some fur fell off his toes when he was declawed and it grew back completely white. Weird, huh?!












Osgood is a good sport when it comes to baths. Early on he's learned that if he just lets us wash him, its over with sooner. Because they are officially indoor cats they don't get baths very often. I'm just glad he's remembered to cooperate.


I have been so bad at getting pictures lately. It didn't help that I lost the charger for the camera, and its not powered by regular batteries. Thanks to Franklin it ended up behind the couch, and I just had this feeling to look there. We went out on Sunday to get some pictures. If you go back to older posts you'll see some pictures taken from this same area; I think its from May, and June.



I've also realized that I'm usually the one holding the camera so it was nice to have a turn on the others side of the shot.

Franklin is awed by the snow. He has picked it up, and we've been prepared for him to get upset by the cold, but he has yet to cry, or get mad.

Even as I write this we are getting a fresh blanket of snow. I know most of you who read this are used to the desert, and may even love the desert. I just have to say there is something so beautiful, peaceful, and pure about snow. It really makes it feel even more like Christmas to us. We truly love it here, and having the snow really seals the deal. We would love to have any/all of you come to visit us, and get to be a part of what we live in everyday.

Video's Below

I finally got those videos to load. They are at the bottom of our blog. You might want to turn off the christmas music, especially if you want to hear Franklin's chatter on the drawing video.

1st video: We went to a friends apartment for dinner this last Sunday, and we didn't bring enough of his own toys to occupy him, so they brought out at pinwheel. He tried to blow on it to make it spin like daddy was doing.

2nd video: Rizzo (and Franklin for that matter, but he's not in this video) loves the tree, and the decorations. Rizzo even tries to eat the tree, after all he likes to eat plastic; he's definitely not the brightest cat, but at least he makes us laugh.

3rd video: This is the one of Franklin drawing. He LOVES to draw! He talks as he draws, so listen closely. I will warn you it is a long video.

If you haven't read our latest blog that I posted yesterday make sure you read it!
Merry Christmas!

Looking back

Today is December 9th, 2008. For the past few weeks I've been remembering a lot of events, and occurances over the past few years that have taken place about this time of year. So here's a few thoughts from me.

A few months ago this BBQ Pit restraunt opened on the north side of town. When I drive by it reminds me of when my family lived in Martinez, Georgia while my dad was stationed at Ft. Gordon. Driving home from school everyday on the bus I smelled that same smell. As a child I always thought it was some one grilling, and never bothered to think "Why would a person grill every day?" So this smell took me back 20 years, and now I know why it smelled like that every day.

It's almost 8 years since I twisted my knee, and had to use crutches for a month, and drive using my left leg. I did get to use a handi-capped card for parking. Just to fill you in I was playing freeze tag with a bunch of guys (and only one other girl who they wouldn't tackle, just me, go figure) at the city park, and when I jumped off the merry-go-round I landed badly, and tore some cartilage in my right knee. I didn't hurt till the next morning.

5 years ago Stephen and I had just begun dating. I knew right away he was the one and instead of me being the one persuing him, who never had a girlfriend before, I let him take things at his own pace. On Christmas Night we kissed for the first time, and nearly two weeks later I was in the hospital with a kidney stone. (No, he didn't give me a kidney stone, the city water did) Stephen was being warned by many relatives that this is how things would be if he stayed with me (ironically they weren't too far from the truth).

4 years ago I fainted during a concert in Colonial Juarez, Mexico, and still don't know why that had been happening to me. I should have listened to my band director, who told me not to go on this tour, but I was afraid of being kicked out of choir and choraleers. Tom was right, and my health did get worse. A few months later it went away, and I never have had fainting problems again.

3 years ago we lost our dear Noxie, and in Generals grief we adopted Osgood. Its actually an interesting story on how we found him; we were driving around looking for a pet store. We started arguing because I couldn't stand how Stephen was driving and that we weren't anywhere near where I wanted to be. We pulled over so we could switch drivers and lo and behold there was a pet store we never knew about. At that point Osgood chose us by jumping into Stephen's arms and would NOT let go.

2 years ago we lost General. That was the worst thing that could happen at that time. I was in a very dangerous place even when he was there, and losing him was more devastating than any of you will ever know. General was nearly just as human as he was a cat. He was our little boy, and had a lot of child-like traits. Unless you knew him it isn't possible for me to explain what his loss meant to us. But in a matter of days (and almost to the day today) we found out we were pregnant.

Last year, after moving up here, we saw how lonely Osgood was. Back in Sierra Vista he still had playmates, but he was our only cat, so he moved up here alone. We were determined to get a female cat, and didn't even bother looking at any males. Luckily for Rizzo he was believed to be female, and his paper work said so. We didn't think we were quite ready to bring home another cat, but something made us decide this kitten was it. We brought home Daphne, and a month later renamed him Rizzo.

Now that the year is coming to a close it is definitely ending better than it began for us. For the many of you who don't know I am pregnant again. I am 12 weeks along, and due June 23rd. Today I listened to the heart beat, and Franklin was a little concerned about what he was hearing and became upset when they took the doppler off and we stopped hearing it.

We were also hoping we could announce that we were moving (staying in Utah County) but we've decided to wait a little while longer. I called our primary president and she was thrilled we weren't moving. She also confessed that she didn't know what to do about our class next year because they were the only class she couldn't find a teacher for. Our class has been very sad, and upset when we originally told them we were going to move. One of them was actually very mad and said he won't come to church anymore when we leave. Now that we are going to stay where we are we keep our class, and even move up to teaching just valiant 12, instead of 11 and 12. I think I'll bring them something nice on Sunday to tell them we're staying.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Minus the snow it's really looking like Christmas around here. We put up our tree earlier this week and Rizzo and Franklin are facinated. Don't forget, Rizzo likes to eat plastic, and we have a fake tree; are you getting the picture? Decorations on the tree are an added extra, especially for Franklin. I love fake trees, especially when they are pre-lit, like ours, but for years I've had trouble with them. After we put the tree up and fruffed it out I broke out in a rash on my arms soon followed by welts.

Thanksgiving was very calm and quiet. Greta allowed us to use her home with her large kitchen, and it made cooking very easy. Our turkey was done before I thought it would be so I had to quickly heat up the rest of the meal; good thing I put it all together, ready to be heated up. Afterward Stephen told me it was the best tasting feast yet. We had some leftovers, but it didn't take us long to finish it off. It still took a few days, but not all that's left is turkey legs. I did find an awesome recipe for apple pie; definitely the best I've found yet!

I had some videos of Franklin but I've been frustrated because they won't finish downloading to YouTube. One video is of Franklin drawing. He LOVES to draw. He had been walking around with a marker (yay for washable markers) and found some paper. I took the cap off so he could draw, and he went at it. He'd make a few marks, and then stop to talk about it, then draw some more. He did this for a very long time, and he stayed on the paper. Also at my birthday dinner we tried to get Franklin to nod his head because he always shakes his head. He ended up rocking his whole body and laughing. He was extremely cute!

Franklin is also cutting more teeth right now. About 4 or 5 at once, poor thing, but I'm excited for him to have more teeth, and be able to chew a lot more things. But because of his teething, not only has he been drooling a lot, he's lost his appetite. I'm trying to keep his belly full, so luckily he loves his milk, and occasionally will munch on something.

A Happy Birthday and some catching up

I am now 26, and Stephen made sure it was a wonderful day for me. Franklin wasn't so helpful with not getting enough sleep at night, and not taking his nap the way he should. Some plans were changed, or adjusted due to Franklin's needs. We still enjoyed ourselves, and ended up having cake the day after. We were just too tired to have cake that night. Whitney so lovingly called us "old people" since we went to bed instead. Don't worry, I laughed, and I know I'm not old. So interesting how to an 8 year old that 20 is old. Now my definition of old has changed, and its not dictated by age.

Things have been crazy this month so far. Stephen has been on call every other week since before Halloween, and has worked every weekend (except last weekend, or I would have called his boss and complained) since mid-October. Unfortunately he is on-call this week, but we cross our fingers that he won't get called out on Thanksgiving. Stephen had also been working late into the day, sometimes evening, and since I haven't been feeling well I haven't had the desire to blog.

Franklin is walking, and is extremely proud of it. He started walking 3 weeks ago, and wants to do it all the time. Because he's been months of walking across furniture, and reaching many things, some of which he shouldn't, we baby-proofed months ago. He's not getting into things that he shouldn't any more often than before. Overall its been easier for me since he began walking since he's over 26 lbs. At his last appointment he was measured at 32 1/4" and 26 lbs. 1 oz. (he's lost a little bit of weight since he's been walking so much) and that makes him 81% for height, and 76% for weight. I don't know if you can imagine our happiness at knowing he's going to be taller than us.

Franklin is extremely chatty. It's official, he calls Rizzo "Izz izz" and of course he says Da da, and when he's upset he calls for "mommom". He has his own version of bye bye, and hello, and he waves for both. He also puts the phone to his head (not always on his ear, but close) and talks. I just wish I could get him to do that with someone on the other side of the line. He loves to give kisses, most of which are very slobbery. He's almost always ready and willing to give a kiss to anyone that gestures for him, or asks. I love watching him understand, and learn about things. He doesn't always respond when I know he understands. He just loves to do things his way, at his pace.

If he hears water running for a bath or shower he absolutely has to have part in it. Its rare I take a shower alone, if I refuse to let him in he will shout, and cry till he gets his way. Don't get the wrong idea, we don't always let him get what he wants, we refuse to be ruled by him. He's also been a picky eater. Its not always hard to get him to eat certain things, especially if we're eating it too, but I can't always eat what he does, espcially since I have been sick. I'll try to do my best not to wait too long till I blog again. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We wish so much to have family and friends over to eat with us, since this is our 3rd year in a row we'll be having the feast by ourselves. Hope you are all well!

Our Handsome Toddler

I'm seriously overdue for a blog update. I usually wait till I have another picture to share, but this one will be without. Franklin is no longer a baby now that he's walking. He is the cutest thing to watch! He's also very proud of himself with all of his walking. He never falls unless something trips him (I don't mean to, it just happens). I wanted to get a video posted of him walking, but it'll have to wait. Franklin also loves to give kisses. More than likely you'll get slobbered when on the receiving end of his kisses but it's still very sweet.

He's also very proud of copying certain things that Stephen and I do. He loves our keys. Of course he'll put them in places that I have to hunt them down and end up being late for something, but he enjoys himself. What he loves to do with the keys is walk up to the front door with them, and hit the doorknob with them. He knows that keys go with door knobs, what a smart little guy!

I've been losing the battle of taking away the pacifier. For now I see no problem with his attachment since he doesn't always need it, but I am willing to give it to him when he's a little too fussy rather than let him be fussy. If he sees a pacifier on the floor and he already has one in his mouth, he'll put the one from his mouth on the floor next to the other, then pick that one up and put it in his mouth. He puts a lot of thought into what he wants to do.

On Thursday I was eating a granola mix I made, and realized that I should offer some to Franklin since he was watching me intently. I grabbed a small handful and put it on the coffee table. First Franklin did a little dance, then stared at the mix. Then he picked up the one chocolate chip that was in the little bunch and ate just that. He's got quite the sweet tooth already. Now I need to get him to eat more fresh fruit so he'll have less junk food to fulfill his sweet tooth. He does like banana's a lot, but we ran out, and I haven't been in the best mood to go grocery shopping.

I've already told Stephen he'll need to come with me on my next trip, and he's more than happy to. I'll be gald to have extra hands for when Franklin wants to be held, but I can't push the cart and hold him. What he's learned to do when that occurs is grab my shirt and pull me close in a position that only babies can get away with and I'm sure it makes other mom's smile because they've been there too. Also if he's on the floor and wants to be held and we don't pick him up he'll grab your legs and put his head, again, where only kids can get away with. He's just at the wrong height, but we're very used to it now. Besides it's not like he's the only child in the world to do that, nor will he be the only child in our family to do it to us.

Our Halloween

Stephen was Dr. Frankenstien, I was Bride of Frankenstien, and Franklin was Frankenstiens' Monster, or Franklinstien. We didn't take him trick or treating, he was too crabby due to a nap cut short, but we still dressed up for pictures. p.s. I made that dress myself, it took just 4 hours (but I didn't finish hemming it)

Don't forget to check out the new video at the bottom of the blog!!

Much Ado about the Quinns

This was what you saw from outside our house until Tuesday. The wind came and took most of the leaves off, and scattered them everywhere. Our house has a little tree, and doesn't produce many leaves, so the leaves on the front lawn are from these trees that are across the street. Currently Stephen and I are looking for another place to live. We have quite a few reasons on our list as to why, but the one I'll talk about for now is we are losing sleep. Our landlady has new roommates, and they are completely nocturnal. I believe one of them has a graveyard shift job. The floor announces every movement they make, it's just a noisy floor, and it's not their fault, they are not trying to be loud. Franklin woke up twice last night, so that was the final straw for me. I'm already losing sleep without those added problems. We've made a few inquiries at a few homes and we'll know next week for sure if we are going to move into one of them, if any of them.

"sed - ah. . . dirty word! He said-a-dirty word" ~Igor, Young Frankenstien. Franklin has a new sound he likes to make. He doesn't say very many words, pretty much just the basic, dadda, mom mom, and anything else he feels like imitating whether its from us, or the cats. This new sound wasn't made by us, at least what word it sounds like. Franklin has a little potty mouth, using the S H sound together which sometimes sounds a lot like a certain swear word that I won't repeat. We were in line to register to vote (shame on us waiting till the last second but at least we did it). It was a long line, in a very crowded hallway. It went quickly, but he started to make his little sh sound, and was proud of it. I'll just have to work with him and see if I can convince him to say share instead.



Not last Sunday, but the Sunday before, when Stephen was on-call, I had to teach our Primary class alone, and with Franklin. It was nearly disastrous, and I sure was glad to go home afterward. Last Sunday, even with Stephen able to come to church I was detirmined not to let it get anywhere that insane again. I brought ziploc bags, and oreos. I put an equal ammount of cookies for each student, and warned them that if I had to call their name to be reverent then I would remove a cookie. I only had to remove one cookie from one bag, and after that they were great. I was hoping I was going to have more tell today, but I guess it'll have to wait till later. Stephen and I have decided what we'll all be for halloween, but we won't tell till we have the pictures to tell it. On Friday we'll be heading down to Saint George to see Grandma Quinn, and we are really looking forward to that.

That's Franklin's World, not Elmo's

While Franklin is sleeping, there are a great number of things I can accomplish. Now that he takes just one nap a day it isn't possible for me to complete them all. I was beginning my yoga when Stephen surprised me with a quick stop, and so I decided to have lunch with him (which means I have to wait a little while after I eat to do my workout). I began reading up on some blogs when I realized that I could clean instead, or write my blog for the week since I'm already late in doing so. I always feel guilty when I write my blog when Franklin is awake.

Franklin LOVES Sesame Street, and Play with me Sesame. I can accomplish a few things while he watches this show. I'm glad that its clean, educational, and full of short clips to keep his attention. He won't do anything else when his show is on. I'm trying to make him sit on his couch when he watches it so that he won't get so close to the TV.

So last week Stephen was on call. What a week!! It got colder very quickly, and on Saturday night, and Sunday morning we had a little snow. It didn't stick on the ground here in Springville. Stephen worked till 7 or 8:30 every night last week. On Saturday they had another technician working as well, and Stephen still worked a 13 hour day. On Sunday he worked a 10 hour day. Now that he's not the on-call tech for this week, it still isn't much different. He predicts he'll work this weekend again. But hey, it's good money, right?

Franklin is teething again. I feel like it'll never end (I know it won't for a long time, but he's just cutting a sixth tooth). He's also taken steps completely on his own a few times, his own choice, we didn't have to trick him. I'll be glad when he's actually walking across the room on his own. He continues to talk about everything, we just haven't learned his language yet.

He loves stairs, so every time we go out I open the door and let him crawl up. When we return I put him at the top of the steps and let him go down himself. He loves it! It helps me too, especially when there are things to bring inside. Last Saturday I let him crawl down the steps so I could get the groceries. I passed him twice on one of my trips down, and back up. On my second trip down he cried, only for a moment, and I saw a little bit of blood on his nose. He scratched his face on our door mat. Most of the scratches didn't show up for a few more minutes. He's a tough kid, he didn't cry much at all.

Last night I proclaimed Rizzo as the "Nocturnal Freak of Nature". We got a reminder why we don't allow the cats to sleep with us at night. Rizzo's 'on' switch malfunctions at night, and he becomes insane! Lately he's been over zealous with Osgood, so there's been a lot of hissing. Franklin thinks it's funny. I'm just relieved that they don't have their front claws. If I never had to be afraid of them getting outside sometime in the future (for some reason I picture Franklin, or other siblings letting them out) then I would remove their back claws too.

Franklin gets into everything. He is very smart, and figures things out more quickly. Notice my shoe. Imagine him walking with it just the way he's wearing it. When he was done playing with it he put it in his booster chair for him to come back and play with again a few minutes later.

I've also noticed that Franklin looks blonde in his pictures. His hair is deceiving because it still doesn't have a color. Its not blond, not brown, and most definitely isn't red. He's just too bald to tell. I feel sorry for any of his sisters if they remain as bald as he. I was bald, but at least my fuzz was orange.


(by the way, that's me. Franklin definitely looks like me, doesn't he!)

"This is the way we (fill in the blank)"

This is when Franklin decided to help me wash his bottles. He drinks just milk now, but we don't have enough cups for him to use instead of the bottles, other wise they would already be retired for now. I'm so sick of cleaning his bottles. If you scroll down to the bottom with the videos, you'll see a video of him "helping", feel free to sing "This is the way we wash the bottles. . ."


During Sunday morning conference Franklin was really getting cranky and crabby, but it wasn't time for his nap even though Stephen believed that he needed to go to bed. So I came up with a great idea! I turned on the radio to conference, and had the tv playing his show, on low volume, and we were all happy. This picture happened because Stephen was trying to get Franklin to cheer up, and once I turned on his show, he froze right there to watch. You may now add the verse "This is the way we watch Conference . . ."

The first video loaded below is Stephen making Franklin laugh like crazy. It's a little long so when you've watched enough move to the next video which is the one of Franklin helping me with the dishes.

Franklin now has a really good idea that Stephen is Daddy/dadda. He'll ask at random times of the day for him. He is also really a chatter box. I was at the checkout in Sam's on Monday and the woman said "He's a chatter box and when he starts saying words he'll be unstoppable." We're still working on the words, but it's ok, he's only 14 months old. I weighed him yesterday on our scale: 26.4 lbs. He is too stinkin' heavy sometimes. On our walk yesterday it had to cut short because he decided to throw a fit, and when I tried to hold him it only slowed us down, and he complained anyway, so back in the stroller he went.

I'm so happy for myself in some new talents I'm discovering, as well as some old ones brought back to life. For the murder party the other week I sewed my own dress, and I have to point out that it was done without a pattern, and it was made in the likeness of a 1920's style dress. Mom I'll get a pic of it later. My new talent I cannot write about now because it's actually a gift for someone, and there are some of you who do know about it. I will say that it's awesome, and a few months from now I'll post a picture of it so that you all may see.

Rizzo is hilarious!! If you haven't had the experience of meeting him yet, you are really missing out. Even if they did create ritalin for cats I don't think I'd give it to him because I love his crazy/unusual behavior. He does get into to trouble still, but a lot less. I wonder if Fatty has taught him how to listen. Rizzo and Osgood both LOVE to play in the tub. Rizzo actually fell in on one of my showers last week. His tail got a little wet, but that's it. They love to lick up any water that's sitting in there. I almost wished they could go outside because they would be so much fun to watch.

Franklin's turn

Franklin has his own language and little interactions that are comical and cute. His version of "Uh-oh" is more like a child immitating a monkey, very short and abrupt. I'll have to record him some time. His laugh is hystarical that you can't help but laugh as well. I love tickle fests and so does he.

He is even more interested in his tongue than he has ever been; licking all sorts of things. Of course I keep it in moderation, but I also know the day will come when he'll lick, or eat something that no human should, and I won't know about it as it happens. I figure I might as well get a laugh out of it before it turns gross. He licks our desk a lot, I'm not sure why. When he gives me a kiss it usually turns into a licking, so I make double sure that my lips are tight, afterall I'm not sure what's been in his mouth sometimes.

He's also addicted to things that he probably shouldn't have yet, but he's safe, and it doesn't hurt him; popcorn (as I have mentioned before) and soda. I love the burps he gets. There is always one down side to the soda; he loves it way too much, and will throw a fit if you take it away from him before he's done. Obviously I know that it's not exactly good for him so I don't let him have much. His protests don't last very long anyway.

He's very curious, smart and helpful. His curiousity has brought him to crawl and climb on all sorts of things. We have learned that his little couch cannot be next to the coffee table anymore. He LOVES being on that table, and has fallen off of it twice, hence the end of allowing any sort of climbing aide near it. You can watch him figure things out carefully. I have a basket that he loves to play with, putting things in it, taking them out, and even putting the lid on right. He likes to help put things "away" more like put them in places. Of course his helping turns into another sort of mess.

He pushed the step stool over to me while I was at the sink (he uses it like a walker) and climbed up. So I pulled him up closer, and he helped me "clean" the bottles. He kept throwing them from sink to sink, and sometimes on the floor. I'm glad that he's watching me enough to know that what I do sometimes has a purpose. I did record him helping me, but our camera battery is currently dead, so hopefully I'll have that video next week, remember to scroll to the bottom to see our videos.

He's been standing all alone more and more often lately. He's even taken a few steps unassisted, and without his invincable boots. I just hope that he keeps trying so that he'll be eager to walk on Halloween. Sometimes on walks I stop and let him take some steps, but only on my lesurely walks, because he'll get frustrated sometimes and I have to put him back in his stroller. I love going on walks up here. It's still a little too warm for my liking, but the mountains are red, orage and yellow. The trees across the street from us have turned, and have fallen leaves. I'll have to share the pictures that we take this weekend: we are planning on going into Hobble Creek Canyon and getting some family pictures.

Just us adults

This last Friday Stephen and I had some friends over for a "How to Host a Murder" party. Whitney helped me prepare a lot for it, which was a huge help since I usually have no one helping, and I typically have 2 weeks to prepare. I had less than a week, and at the last second I was one couple short. I'm so grateful for Kyle Lauritzen coming to my rescue and was the guy. I ended up becoming two characters which ended up being harder than it already sounds because the two women characters had beef about the other, so obviously I knew stuff that I shouldn't but also ended up not sharing with the rest of the group because how does one accuse one-self; I was already looking crazy. That's why I announced at the beginning that I was going to schizophrenic.

It ended up being a blast, and lasting very late! I started it late because I wanted Franklin to be asleep before we began but he must have caught on that something was up because he refused to go to sleep till after 9:00. It was crazy trying to get someone to fill in last minute, but Kyle was great, and it was great to see him again. I don't think we've seen each other since EAC graduation 2005.

So explain my title I came to a realization that all I ever post about is Franklin. Just the other day my VT was over and as we got into deep discussion (I completely admire her, BTW) I remembered something I promised myself before Franklin was born. Stephen and I went through so much heartache and hurt before Franklin came that I was determined to always remember that no matter who you are, what you do, say, or look like, there will be something about you (say, do, etc) that may hurt someones feelings. 98% of the things we end up hurting someone about we will never know, and therefore you must realize, especially if you've been hurt, that it is ENTIRELY unintentional.

In that time we couldn't conceive the littlest things would hurt me deeply, and when a person hurts, that person starts seeing it EVERYWHERE which makes it worse. Franklin has been a miracle more than any of you will ever know, or understand. Most of the pain went away, only because I promised that I would always remember what it was like, and do my best to be there for others through their pain. Just as an individual has a trial in their life to learn a lesson, they should do well to never forget that trial so that their lesson will always be remembered, and they may be able to help another for that very reason.

I've learned something important this past year that we have lived here (that's right, on October 6th it will be exactly a year since we moved here). People talk about what it most important in life, and the answers vary greatly. But there is one important thing that every being must have, and it does not matter what nationality, religion, political standing, age, gender, or any other differences you may have, and that one thing is a friend. The friendships that we make in life, and most importantly the friendships that we keep throughout all trials, will always make us feel loved, important and needed.

I know, some of you may say family, but think about it: true, you can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends. Yes, you'll always have family a letter, email, or phone call away no matter where you go, but friends aren't always as easy to keep or stay in close contact with. But the greatest thing to remember that if you're friends with your family then that's a treasure in itself. Stephen and I were first best friends, and as long as we always have that then nothing can take us apart.

I have a best friend, Janiel, and though we are both extremely sad to be so far apart, we continue to remain best friends. Some of my best friends I consider family, and thank goodness my sisters are also my best friends. I am also grateful that we have been able to make friends here in our very own neighborhood. Yes, I love Franklin, and he means so much to me, and yes, he is my life, but I have not forgotten the pain and heartache we went through before he came. I am grateful that I was able to keep such great friends during that time, though I will always regret that wasn't as a great a friend in return. Now I know that Franklin does steal the show, so I will write a separate blog to talk about what he's been up to.

We are still working on getting Franklin to walk on his own. He still lacks the self confidence, however my brother sent Franklin a pair of shoes that his son, Ian, wore, and loved. Ian was fearess, and invincable in those shoes. It must be the shoes because Once I got them on properly Franklin wanted to walk all over the place. Yes, he was still holding a finger, but he wasn't using me for support. My finger was below his shoulders, and in a way he was pulling me along because he wanted to walk further ahead of me. Christian, thanks for the shoes!!





We have been getting these coupons to go to Sears Portrait Studio and finally I saw a deal that I didn't want to miss. Last week I made the appointment for Monday, and was very eager to get professional pictures of just Franklin. Monday morning Franklin woke up with a runny nose, go figure. We believe its just teething, but still it put a damper on things. He was tired all morning. So he took an extra nap in the morning, and after that nap he lounged around watching "Play with me Sesame" his favorite show. Then he took a late nap in the afternoon. Stephen had sometime between appointments to come with us to the studio. We allowed Franklin to sleep right up until we had to go. Bad idea. He was cranky and crabby the whole time. We've rescheduled for Friday so we'll see how that goes.

On Friday last week Franklin woke up in the middle of the night; it was close to the 2 o'clock hour. We don't turn on his monitor anymore, and haven't for a few months. However I heard him, and instantly had the thought that Stephen should go check on him instead of me. Stephen is impossible to wake so I gave up and went in myself. He had been crying so much, and so hard that it took a little while to calm him down, but I continued to rock with him, and I sang to him (once I did he stopped crying entirely). I realized he was awake enough that I couldn't just put him back in his crib without him crying so he needed a bottle, however I couldn't take him out of his room or that would wake him even more; he's just like his mother. I went and got Stephen, making him get up so that he'd get the bottle. He didn't actually hear me say bottle so he came in the nursery to ask what I wanted.

Franklin saw his daddy and from that moment on he wouldn't stop crying till Stephen came back in the room. Here I spent 30 minutes with him, comforting, and calming him, and the instant he sees his dad it all meant nothing to him. That broke my heart, and I couldn't go back to sleep once we put him back down. Stephen stayed up with me for a little while listening to me. Finally we were able to both go back to sleep, but all Saturday I was still heartbroken. Franklin is such a daddy's boy!

To suffice till I write my next blog

1. Where is your cell phone? on the desk

2. Your significant other? In Orem on his last call for the day, it better be

3. Your hair? Still air drying, let down, curly with a head band/ribbon thingie

4. Your mother? if you're asking where, she's in Sierra Vista, AZ either in her classroom, or at home, I need to give her a call anyway

5. Your father? My bet is that he's still at his office making some calls. (In S.V. AZ)

6. Your favorite thing? jiggling Franklins chin when he's making a noise, it sounds hilarious!!

7. Your dream last night? I don't remember all the details but I know my friend Jessica Tilton was in it, and it was raining outside so it was a little dark.

8. Your favorite drink? Pibb, and lucky me it is sold EVERY WHERE in Utah! It was impossible to find in AZ. Aside from that, water.

9. Your dream/goal? to get to the weight I was when Stephen and I got married

10. The room you’re in? living room

11. Your hobby? if a hobby is something you do in your own time, then it's cooking a cleaning. Otherwise I love baths and reading.

12. Your fear? not going to share, sorry

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? In our own home but here in Springville still.

14. What you’re not? a guy, I'm definitely not a guy

15. Muffins? Bran with Chocolate Chips. Oh so yummy and great to help regulate

16. One of your wish list items? a fuel efficient Large car or small SUV

17. Where you grew up? I'll say Sierra Vista since that's where I lived the longest even though most of childhood was spent in several different places.

18. The last thing you did? put different clothes on Franklin

19. What are you wearing? A blouse with a lace-ish tank underneath, and capris

20. Favorite gadget? probably our camera, it's cool discovering the different things it does, and it's way smaller than our last one

21. Your pets? Osgood a.k.a. Fatty, and Rizzo or Franklin calls him Izzzisszz

22. Your computer? needs to be replaced

23.Your mood? I have a head ache

24. Missing someone? Inga and Janiel.

25.Your car? A Toyota Tundra. I love it, but it's our only vehicle, so I stay home a lot just to save our gas

26. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes. I love not having my warts anymore, so I don't have to wear my slippers all the time anymore

27. Favorite store? Sam's Club

28. Like someone? Stephen, of course I love him, but it's still good to like him too.

29. Your favorite color? red, if you want to be specific, auburn. Fortunately for me I wear it everyday!

30. When is the last time you laughed? earlier today. Franklin frustrated me at the photo studio, so I'm still a little upset that it didn't work out. Luckily they allowed us to reschedule. Next time it'll be later in the day so he won't have just got up from a nap.

31.Last time you cried? About a week ago Franklin didn't want me, he wanted Stephen and it broke my heart. I won't go into details now

I tag no one. Do it if you want, or don't.

Caught in my Pajamas

Heidi totally caught me. It is past 10:00 in the morning and yes, I am still in my pj's.

10 years ago:
I was in my junior year at Buena High School in Sierra Vista, AZ. I had just started my first job at DEB in "The Mall at Sierra Vista" (seriously, that is a stupid name for a mall. The Show Band played at the grand opening, so we had to stay for the whole speech. When they introduced the man who was responsible for choosing the name we all looked at each other and agreed, he was going down.)

5 years ago:
I had my eye on this really hot guy that stood in front of me a lot in marching band, playing the trumpet. I was Drum Major of the marching band at Eastern Arizona College at the time.

5 months ago:
Getting through the slow months at Stephen's job. (seriously there was nothing memorable, or eventful at that time) I just remembered, I started blogging at that time! Yay for blogs!!

5 Things to do today:
Yoga/workout
shower
laundry
wash bottles/sippy cups
continue to collect and edit photos

5 Bad habits:
biting my nails when they are cracked or broken
staying in my pj's far longer than I should, but its so comfy!
Staying up insanely late (I'm an insomniac)
finger combing my hair and leaving it, usually for Franklin to find
playing with my one really sharp, crooked tooth on the bottom. (Because I constantly play with it I have a sore on my lower lip. I need to get that tooth filed, and I need a retainer)

5 places I have lived:
Thatcher, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Silver City, NM
Sierra Vista, AZ
Springville, UT
(these are all places I have lived since I've been married, and we've been married for over 4 years, luckily we have found a place we are going to stay!!)

5 people I tag:
I'm not going to tag just 5, I'm going to tag all of you who are on the computer to kill time, or because you don't know what else you want to do at this very moment.
~ You know who you are, don't deny it. I confessed to still being in my pjs.

See videos below

Its Monday and that means a new blog. You may want to check the videos at the bottom of our blog to see what Franklin has been up to lately. I've changed the blog so that only two show up at a time so that its easier to scroll down to the bottom where we have the videos at all times.

Next week is officially Fall, and by golly I am ready. I'm so amazed at how quickly the time flies when I'm not at school to see it go. I'm so used to time flying when I'm in school, but not when I'm at home with Franklin. I can see how much he changes every day. Yesterday he started putting things in his mouth and then crawling around with them there. Our primary kids thought it was funny, and so did I. He's been putting lots of things in his mouth, and I just assume its to help alleviate the pain of teething. He currently has 5 teeth though they may not all be completely out. There is one more about to cut as well. In this picture he has one of my socks in his mouth.

Stephen's job is on the verge of getting really busy again. Now that Fall is just around the corner there are people who are already turning on their furnace. I'm still opening the windows all day long to cool things off down here. It has been getting up to the low 80's and high 70's here, and I think that's perfect. However I know not all people are like us and need their heat.

multi-tasking

I've been trying to stay on task so that every Monday there would be a new blog about the Utah Quinn's, but I've put a task in front of me that's taking up so much of my time. If you click on the title you'll see what a big undertaking I've been busy with. I've taken it upon myself to direct the first LaVor and Vernelle Reed family reunion. It's not till Christmas 2009 but there's so much to be done, and so many little things I want to have for it that I've already begun. My current task is putting together a slide show. The end result is a 2 - 5 minute slide show, but so far I have spent 2 entire weeks (and still no where near done) putting pictures together; taken from some of my cousins websites, some from my own computer, and from my personal stash of pictures and I have to scan each one to my computer. We have recently discovered that our computer cannot keep up with me, nor do everything I've been needing it to. Needless to say we are in the market for a new computer, but probably won't get it till December.

I've spent so much time doing this that I haven't given my 100% attention to Franklin, who by the way has become more comical than ever. Last Saturday we were driving back home from a grocery run and it was time for him to eat. Stephen sat in the back to feed him, and suddenly Franklin gets delirious. He is cracking up about nothing. He's squealing, and then laughing hysterically. I started to laugh because he was so funny, and of course he starts laughing harder. Quickly I called my mom because I thought she'd get a kick out of his laughing fit. The very next day, Sunday, he did it again! He's done it 3 times this week. He's just like his mommy, getting dilirious and he totally laughs like his Aunt Inga. (Can't wait for the two of them to finally meet!)

He also loves to play "Where's Rizzo?". He knows exactly who Rizzo is, and he knows that Osgood isn't Rizzo, but that Osgood is a kitty, and Rizzo is a kitty. Yesterday I was trying to divert his attention from what he was doing (he loves to slobber on my cell phone) and said "where's Rizzo?" Rizzo was laying on the top of the couch but Franklin decided to look in the opposite direction. He saw Osgood, and then started to get a little mad. He headed for the hall looking for Rizzo, but it was in vain. So seeing that this could escalate I brought Franklin back in, and I tried to show him where Rizzo was. When he noticed Rizzo, but started to come to me instead I asked "where's Rizzo?" again and he got all excited because now he knew where Rizzo was, and started to climb onto the couch to get to him.

I'm not entirely sure yet, but I think Franklin's first word is Rizzo. Of course he doesn't actually say Rizzo, but he does say "IssszzIsssz". Sometimes he'll keep throwing in a few more Isszzes but I'm still testing him. He does say Dad or Dadda and Mamma or Mom mom momm, but so far is doesn't seem to be completely on purpose. He still copies my unusual hiccups or little squeals, and whatever noises the cats make. He's realized that it makes us react so he's learned to play to the crowd. He is also a very huge little boy. I'll have to get exact measurements from his next appointment but right now he's just barely over 25 lbs. and is 32 1/4". He's a really heavy boy, and I'm over anxious for him to walk. Till then he's my lifting weights.

Getting into everything

Franklin is a very busy little person. Though he is only moments from walking on his own, he is very content to jet crawl after anything and everything he wants. He loves his kitties, popcorn, open cupboards, books and magazines (have to make sure it's a book he can't tear apart, or that we don't care if he does) and anything that his mommy happens to have. (regaurdless if he actually would want it if I wasn't holding, or using whatever he may want). He always wants to eat what we have on our plates, even if we've let him taste it and he hates it. He still wants it. So occassionally I make something I know he'd actually eat on his own. So far we know he likes spagetti, pizza, soups, and some mexican food, however he hates the baby food version of dinners, all dinners. Can't blame him, I've tried to get him to eat it by me taking a bite of his food and I hate it too, the fruit and veggies are fine thank goodness. He also loves to pretend he's chewing on something if we are; for example, gum. You should see him eat popcorn, it's actually very funny. He's obsessed with it. It can't run out before he's finished eating it.

In some of the pictures in our Picasa album (click on this entry's title for the link) Franklin is persuing Rizzo in a box. Rizzo loves boxes, and Franklin loves Rizzo. Franklin will bring a toy to Rizzo and Rizzo will bring a toy to Franklin. Those two can play all day, and I imagine they literally will when Franklin no longer needs 2 naps a day. It's such a huge relief that our cats no longer have their front claws. Franklin likes Osgood too, but Osgood doesn't always like Franklin. Sometimes he hisses at him, and usually Franklin will laugh. He still imitates their meows, and often laughs at them for any reason at all. The video at the end of the album is of Franklin and Rizzo playing. You can tell Franklin is partically distracted by the tv, which is muted.

I LOVE Springville. If anyone wants to experience why we love it here so much you should come visit us this fall (or perhaps if you want to go to conference, come see us during your visit). It was fantastic to go outside the other day and you feel and smell that Fall is just days away. Just in case you don't know Fall is my absolute favorite season. We've jumped the gun a little and already put up some Fall and Halloween decorations. Up here everyone goes all out for Halloween; the entire town really gets into it, and the city has something just for the kids. We're going to take Franklin to it. I'm hoping that Franklin finally gets up his nerve to walk before then so I won't have to carry him everywhere. He has taken one step on 3 different occassions all by himself, he just lacks the confidence to do more; plus we have to trick him into it. I also can picture in my mind Franklin trick or treating (we already know what he'll be) and I see him taking things out of his bucket and then once it's empty, putting it all back in, at every door we stop at.

For our Labor Day we put up the tent in our living room, and camped indoors. It rained from Sunday to Tuesday. Franklin thoroughly enjoyed the tent and air mattress. He thought it was more fun than the cats. The only thing better was Rizzo playing in the tent too! Franklin was in heaven! They were hilarious!! Oh, and I wanted to let you know you can leave comments on our blog even if you don't have an account. We'd love to hear from all of you who stop by and check out whats going on in our family.

Having fun in August!

If you click on the title it'll send you to our Picasa album link, and you'll get to see the pictures of what we've been up to this month.

Last week we had our Primary Class Party, and it was fun. We got started a little late, and so it ended late as well. We held it the night before school started, and I was thrilled that no parents objected to it. There is only one girl in our class, and she was SOAKED within the first 2 minutes. Of course the other 4 boys ganged up on her, and so it was a very uneven water war, but hey, it was all fun for each of them. I can also tell that 2 of the boys in our class really like her. But they are at that age where girls are gross, and boys are stupid (10 - 11). I hear it every Sunday.

They broke up into groups of two, and we all made Ice Cream, and it was fun! They loved their ice cream, and everyone got so sticky, and gross. We also played a game, and then we had to end it earlier than I had planned because it was getting late and they were starting school the next morning.

On Thursday Whitney asked me to accompany her to Salt Lake while she completed some paper work for her new job. She got a teaching position at the Salt Lake Community College, South Jordan campus. She graduated with her master's degree the week previous!! Yay Whitney!! She was going to start teaching that evening, and she was told a little late that there were more signatures needed, and other things. So we, Whitney, Franklin and myself were jotting around campus. It made me miss the college life a little but not enough to go back, at least not for now.

Things started to run a little late, so her hubby, Blain came up to So. Jordan to bring her a few things she needed for the night, and came and got Franklin and I, and took us home. It was fun, hot, and long day. It was so great to get out of the house! Even Franklin had fun!

Saturday we went over to Greta's and they had rented a huge slide for Miles' birthday party. We missed the party because of Franklin's nap, but we had fun with just the family. I can't believe that Miles' is 6! And even more so that Boston is 7!! It was so hot, that's what was getting me first, but the 25' slide was a lot of fun! Chloe went on the slide more than anyone else, she was so fun to watch. Oh, to be 3 and have her energy. She did have super red cheeks from the heat when she was done. Lucky her she doesn't sunburn! Thanks Whites for having us over!

A funny thing happened on the way to the. . . ah, just go ahead and laugh!

Our place has become the official home where we hold FHE every Sunday for the Young Married couples in our ward. It's been the perfect way for us to get to meet other people, especially since we've been in Primary since the third Sunday we came here (the first Sunday was General Conference and we did unpacking while we listened, so we didn't meet anyone that day either). We've made new friends, and people have discovered that we are funny people, and having Franklin hasn't stopped us from being social. In fact everyone wants a piece of him. He's just like his mom (the whole social bug thing).

Speaking of Franklin a very funny, and gross thing happened the other day. So he's cutting more teeth, finally. However he isn't very quiet about it, poor thing, and I'm trying so hard to keep patient. He's gone back to waking up with the roosters, so we just give him another bottle, and he'll sleep till late in the morning, which I don't mind one bit. Stephen got up at 5:00 a.m. on this particular day; changed his diaper, and gave him the bottle. Stephen did this very sloppy, and didn't put his shorts back on him either. When I went in there at 8:30 I was horrified at the site, though I can most definitely laugh about it now.

There was poop EVERY WHERE!!! In his sleep he managed to get the diaper off, and while it was off he took his opportunity to poop. Of course there was no poop in the diaper, but there was on the outside of it. He had poop on his shirt, his head, hands, feet, legs, belly, but not his bum. It was smeared in the sheets, on his bumper, on the railing, his blankets, and he happily stands to greet me. Usually I walk up to his crib, and allow him to grab me, then I pick him up. I didn't let him touch me. That shirt was off in record time, I closed the door behind me, then put him in the shower. At first the water was cold, and he cried, but I wasn't going to let him put poop anywhere else except down the drain. Once it warmed up he was fine, and started having a good time till I had to start scrubbing him down. Then he was getting mad at me.

Once the poop was gone I filled the tub enough for him to play and finally gave him some toys. He enjoyed himself for a while, and I was happy to think that I could forget about the mess in his room for a while till he took a nap. I had to set up the pack and play in our room, which he didn't care for because he knew his crib was in the other room. While he played for a little longer, because he didn't want to sleep, I let all of his bedding soak. I must have put it through 4 cycles, the last one with a little bleach, before I put it in the dryer. I did laundry all day, with just one load! When he was asleep I took care of the crib. I love GreenWorks products! I also lowered his crib all the way down since he's discovered the art of climbing.

So, did you have a good laugh? or were you grossed out? Try being me on that unforgetful day!

Franklin's first birthday and visiting Arizona

Arizona here we come!

So things have been busy and crazy. Jess and Jon Rutherford and their twin boys came to visit. They are a month and a half younger than Franklin but really got into each other's faces. They were so funny to watch that I forgot to pull out the camera. Well, we may be able to see them on the 9th, and I'll have the camera ready this time!
Franklin is into everything, and doing his best to keep walking (I'm trying to make him do it without my help). We got him some soft shoes to get familiar with shoes, and walk with them on. He still has only 2 teeth, but has proven that he can chew on many different things anyway. He is a sprint crawler, laughs often, and is quite the chatter box. We keep trying to get him to repeat what we say, but he loves to repeat what the cats say more. He also loves to immitate mommy's hiccups. What a goof!
Not only do we have a future commedian, he is also going to be a percussionist. We decided that we'll have to accept whatever type of musicain he wants to be. We are thrilled that he is showing signs of being a musician. He LOVES music, especially jazz and swing. He can keep a constant beat for a little bit, and loves to make different sounds on the things he bangs. So we got him something to encourage him for his birthday.
We also had our cats declawed. It's best for Franklin, our hands, and our furniture. Plus they are both pretty clumsy with their claws. I was surprised Osgood didn't get mad at me for taking him to the vet. He used to take everything personal with me, and held a grudge for a while. Stephen was the only person he liked. He has really changed, and not only did he heal quickly, and did well, but he is social with others, and not just people he knows already. Rizzo didn't do so great. He kept his over-active energy, and kept wanting to get into/out-of things, and have everyone's attention. He took 3 weeks to heal, and is still healing. Some of his toes are bald (the vet said that the surgical glue can sometimes do that) and he is finally out of his cone collar. He wore it for the past 3 weeks, and then some. Poor thing.


We are traveling down next week to spend Franklin's birthday in Arizona. We'll spend two days in Thatcher, with the Quinn's and two days in Sierra Vista with the Reed's. I'm so excited, and even more so, I'm excited about Franklin's birthday. I can't believe its almost been a year since he took his first breath of air. I've also realized that birthday's are for mommies. I think it's more of a celebration of what our moms have done for us, and continue to do. I know that I haven't forgotten what I went through a year ago for Franklin, and everything since that day.

It'll be a quick trip, but we're going to try and make the most of it. We are super excited to go, and can't wait to get going!!! So Arizona here we come!!

Just Being Silly

Franklin couldn't get his pacifier in his mouth because he was sitting on the other end of the clip.

June is busting out all over

Time is flying!

I was going to post pictures with this entry but I realized there were too many pictures that were taken in the last month to allow me to add. So I'll sum up what has happened with us in the last month.

After Grandma and Grandpa Reed visited Utah, Stephen, Franklin and I went to Saint George for Aunt Joans' wedding. Grandma Quinn had already been in Saint George visiting her family, and Grandpa Quinn came up for the wedding as well. So Franklin got to see both sets of Grandparents a week apart from each other. While there Stephen was able to do some work for his childhood friend who had passed away over a decade ago. Brent had prepared all the paperwork for this even to happen. Afterwards there was a reception held at Grandma Jacksons' chapel.

The following week was "Art City Days", it was like a Founders' Day type of thing. Springville is also called Art City. So we went to the little fair where Franklin rode on the Carousel for the first time. He loved it! All the lights, shiny brass, and music. Father's Day was quiet except Stephen was on-call and worked a 10 hour day on Sunday. I called up the Lewis' and talked to Jerry and he made it so Stephen wouldn't have to go out on anymore calls, and invited us over for dinner with the family. We laughed and had a great time.

That next week we had our 4th anniversary. It's amazing that 4 years have gone by since we were married. We didn't do anything on the actual day but we made plans to go to Salt Lake that Friday and celebrate. Just before we were about to leave we got a call from Spencer. They were in the area so we met up with them at a pond (a very popular pond) to see each other, and we finally met Kaylee. She and Franklin hit it right off. They are about 3 months apart in age, and luckily Franklin isn't a hitter to others, just the cats. They were too cute together!

The next week I finally went in to a dentist about my two top wisdom teeth. They've been killing me for a few months and I finally reached my breaking point. My first experience, getting the bottom ones removed in 2005 was so awful that I've been too nervous to mess with the others. I got to see why they are causing me so much pain, and at the end of July I meet with the oral surgeon (I'm working up my nerves again). A few days later Whitney came with Stephen and I to see a local production of Hello Dolly! and it was very cute, and done "in the round". A little strange to do it that way for a musical, but oh well, the cast was very small. Franklin kept getting attention, and at one point made a loud thud when he missed sitting down, and fell over instead. He was fine, just already mad from being tired, and it scared him.

The following weekend, Independence Day weekend, we had a blast! Whitney, Brittney (Whit's sister), Jeff (Brit's hubby) and we went to the parade. It was a lot of fun. After we went to a sidewalk carnival/swap meet thing. There was a lot of great things to see, but Franklin was over tired, and my feet were sore. So we went back to Whitney's place, and there was a pool. Franklin hated it at first, but as long as he wasn't splashed he was fine. We've taken him swimming a couple times before and he loves it. We don't want him to be afraid of the water.

After that we went home for Franklin to take a much needed nap, and that evening we met up with everyone again for a BBQ. After our picnic we went back home, Franklin needed to go to bed, so we missed the fireworks, but we got back together again at our place, and Brittney and Jeff provided us with a wonderful little fireworks show. Luckily our neighbors were gone so we did it in front of their place. Franklin slept for 14 hours that night, poor thing was so sleepy. He woke up very happy, and then went down for another nap, for 4 hours. He went to bed at his usual time.

Now our big news is that we are going down to Arizona for Franklin's first birthday. We'll fly down August 5th, and be in Thatcher till the 7th, then we'll be in Sierra Vista till the 9th, and we come back home. I cannot believe that he'll be a year old in less than a month. The time has seriously flown by!

Eating an Oreo

Grandma and Grandpa Reed visit Utah

The man has to have his water

This last week everyone has been sick in our house. Franklin's nose runs, and his eyes started to get a little goopy. I discovered that as long as he didn't cry his eyes would be clear. So I've spent the last 3 days making sure he doesn't cry at all. As a result I'm trying to catch up on sleep when he does. Stephen has had a cold all week as well. We're hoping that we all kick what we've got within the next day or two since my parents are coming this weekend to visit for a week.

It's hot up here! We've hit the mid-90's this week, and it's also been a little bit humid so it makes it feel more hot. Stephen will be getting the cooler going soon. Unfortunately we happen to live in a home that has a swamp cooler. And all swamp coolers up here are very little. Hopefully it'll still do it's job. I remember visiting Heidi and Inga the summer after I graduated high school, and we were cooking something in the kitchen. It was so stinkin' hot it almost seems like "who would EVER cook in the summer, and risk making the entire house hotter!" I expirenced that feeling last night, after dinner.

We had a late dinner, Stephen was on call this weekend, and spent most of the afternoon yesterday in Sandy. After dinner I decided to bake some cookie dough we made the night before. It was just past 9:00, and the kitchen didn't feel cooler till 10:00. I've realized that when it starts to heat up outside not to have any windows open. Because we are in a basement it stays cooler down here if we don't open any windows during the heat, but at night I love to have our bedroom window open, feels so much cooler. We're supposed to get rain towards the end of this week, and I'm really looking forward to it. I know Stephen isn't, only because the hotter it gets the more work he'll have.

Franklin's two bottom teeth are coming up very slowly, and he has lost his appetite, for the most part. I feel sorry for him because I have to let him get starving in order to feed him anything. He'll still take a bottle with ease, but I have to wait to feed him anything else or it just becomes a mess; he'll knock the spoon out of my hand, or push it away, and he'll cry if you fight him for too long. Since I'm trying not to let him cry (because of his eyes) I've decided that even though I know he's a little hungry, he just has to REALLY want it before I feed him. Of course at that point you can't feed him fast enough. Franklin is also a very quick little boy. Everything is so exciting for him. He loves the cats water dish (I have to put up the food dish), and as long as I'm right there (usually doing the dishes, so I'm 2 feet away) I'll let him slash in it, and make a mess. All I have to do is lay down a towel.

Franklin also loves shower-baths. We put his tub in the back of the bath, and run the shower on lower pressure. His tub fills up, and he just loves the water slashing around him, and he's figured out sticking out his tongue and drinking the water from the shower. He could probably stay in his shower-bath for an hour if we let him (haven't gone even half as long so I'm probably over exaggerating). We have let it go a little longer than usual letting the room steam up to help clear his congestion. He has loved it.

May SlideShow

Tagged

Ok, so now I understand a little more about tagging. If you've been tagged you have to copy the list, and fill it in for yourself, then tag someone else.


5 Things On My To-Do List
fold (and put away) the clean laundry in the blue basket
file some loose papers
start cooking dinner in a little bit
take my vitamin (I'm so lousy at remembering - except when I was pregnant)
pick up my tissues (how much mucus can a body make!)

5 Jobs I've Had
sales Asso. at DEB
Band Dept. work study
sales Asso. at Sears
Behavior Health Office Receptionist
Mom

5 Places I've Lived
(I'll list the 5 I've lived since I've moved out of my parents house)
Thatcher, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Silver City, NM
Sierra Vista, AZ
Springville, UT

5 Favorite Snacks
Orange
Puppy Chow (the Chex Mix stuff, not dog food)
Peanut Butter Toast
Graham Crackers
Water

5 Things You May Not Know About Me
*My eyes are actually green. Right around the pupil of my eyes is a burst of red (yes Red) so it makes my eyes look more brown, when in fact there is no brown in my eyes.
*I have a long, nearly 5 inch scar across my belly button. I have had 3 hurnia surgeries, and the last one left me with that scar, and the loss of feeling on and around my belly button.
*I get bronchitus every year, ever since 8th grade. I haven't missed a year of getting at least once. Some years I get it twice.
*I still have a very small portion of my horse collection from when I was a little girl.
*I can give an amazing massage. I used to be much better at it, when my hands were stronger, and my shoulders weren't as tight. But I can still give an amazing massage.

5 Things I'd Do As A Billionaire
*pay off debt and buy a house with lots of land
*get vehicles that don't run on gas
*have horses
*be adverturous, and also travel
*have my eyes lasered

5 Things I Love
my family
animals
a good nights sleep (I'm an insomniac)
good friends
and great weather (includes living where there are 4 seasons)

5 People I Tag
Janiel
Jessica
Heidi
Whitney
Jami

A "Two Fer"...

We got two teeth coming in at once, and its about time! On Saturday we were all over at the White's house (Greta, Adam and family) and in the evening Franklin was eating an apple. He kept managing to get little chunks off at a time, so I had to keep fishing them out of his mouth. At one point I rubbed his gums and felt a tooth. Later that night I wanted to look at it, just to see how far it's come out, and discovered a second one just a little less out. Then during the night he woke up screaming. I was out cold due to some cough medicine, so Stephen told me all about it. He gave him some teething tablets, tylenol, and also had to rock him a little bit to calm him down (it's been a while since we've had to rock him). Last night it happened again, but not as bad.

Franklin has also figured out how to pull himself up, but not quite standing yet. You can tell it's just a matter of days before he figures out how to pull himself all the way up to standing. He's also crawling very quickly. Good thing our place isn't very big, he's easy to keep contained, or at least keep an eye on. I also discovered today that he turns on the music to his mobile in his crib. I used to think it was Stephen turning it on, untill he did it today, while Stephen's at work. It seems that all of a sudden things are happening with him all at once. There's no getting used to one thing before the next step happens.

Rizzo and Franklin are also best pals. Rizzo loves giving Franklin things to play with. It's way too cute! Rizzo will bring a toy to Franklin and just sit and watch as Franklin plays with it. Rizzo doesn't reach for it at all. Once Franklin has put it down then Rizzo will pick it back up and continue playing with it. Blain told us the first night we had them over at our place, "Who needs a dog when you have a cat like this!" But at the time they only knew about Rizzo playing Fetch, this is a new thing that started last week. It happens pretty often too.

For Mother's Day Stephen made me a picnic and we went to a park to eat, and then afterward we went over to a pond to see the ducks. We got a special treat while there. I'm not sure exactly what kind of animal it was, but we called it a ground hog. He was adorable! He kept coming out of his whole, and going to get grass. After his mouth was full he'd leap back to his whole, and then come back out to collect more grass. He did it the whole time we were there. When I finally got a video of him, we also caught him diving into the pond because a balloon passed by overhead and scared him; what are the odds of catching that on film! I kept taping thinking he'd come back out, but he didn't.

I got sick this week, and on Friday Stephen took off work to come help me at home. I slept almost the entire day, and it made a huge difference. The next day I woke up feeling like a million bucks (but with a very deep voice) and we went to the Primary activity, and afterward we went to Greta's house. Sunday I woke up with Stephen surprising me with breakfast. So needless to say I had a very great Mother's Day weekend, even with being sick! I hope all the mothers reading this had a very wonderful Mothers' Day as well.

A good week, and a happy birthday!

We absolutely love it here in Springville!! The weather is perfect (but will continue to get hotter - is that a word?) so come visit us!! You'll fall in love with the area as well. We've also decided to stay in our apartment. Things are perfect and quiet, however Franklin breaks the silence. He has a lot to say lately, though I don't understand a sound of it. We can tell when he's mad, when he's happy, when he's tired, and when he's pooping (he's got quite the grunt and red face -PE face- to go with it) but that's all we need to know. He's also a very good crawler now, though I think he still prefers the combat crawl. We have fun getting him to follow us from room to room. He also loves doors, and hitting walls, and drumming in his crib when he wakes up. I can't help but think we've got a percussionist in the making here.

For Stephen's birthday (May 4th) we went to McGrath's Fish House the day before. When they brought our drinks I asked if they did anything embarrassing for birthdays. After dinner they brought this rediculous hat. Stephen had to hold it up, they called it a "One size fits none."

We also went to the park before dinner. It was Franklin's first time on a swing. The park around the block doesn't have any swings, not sure why. But we discovered this other park by accident last Sunday. Franklin enjoyed himself.

On Sunday we had Whitney and Blain over to play games for Stephen's actual birthday. I haven't laughed that hard in years! Thanks for making it a fun and special day for us. I'm not sure who had more fun; Stephen, Rizzo or me. I'd probably say me, but I think everyone else got a bigger laugh from me.

On Monday we took Franklin to Holladay (Salt Lake City). For weeks I saw this ad saying "Do you have the world's cutest baby? Come audition" So finally I called and we set up for him to come in on Monday. What a disappointment. It turned out it was a talent agency. They all thought that Franklin was the cutest baby, and they want us to sign him up for all sorts of things. The guy we interviewed with gave us this long speech about cute babies and people who think they have cute babies but really don't. What a jerk! He adored Franklin, and was surprised at how heavy he really is. He was sure a good salesman though, and making us feel really good about how great Franklin is. Then he said that we'd have to pay $1000.00 (not all up front) to get him a portfolio and into the business.

I talked to Christian later that night and he told me that they ran into something similar. Never sign up for anything if you have to pay a penny! Stephen mentioned that every so often on Craigslist there are photographers that need to get a portfolio so they'll take your photos for free. We might look into that.

On a side note, I haven't forgotten about the Reed Reunion. I promise that next month I WILL have all the surveys out. The only addresses I lack are from everyone in the Swider family. I'll get 'em somehow! Have a great week everyone, and Happy May!!

Almost May

So this last week was interesting. Many things happened, and though I did make many posts I didn't share everything that happened here.

Stephen's "bad days" were from the previous week, so I guess it was only fair that mine should follow. On the same days that Franklin chose to be more difficult, so did Rizzo. On Wednesday Franklin was absolutely refusing to take his naps. Because of teething, and growing he hasn't been the greatest sleeper. So I had been fighting with him all morning, while Rizzo was constantly under my feet, and getting into, and on things that he isn't supposed to. Rizzo is still young enough that some things aren't sticking in his brain, as well as he's being rebellious.

Finally I got Franklin to sleep, after having him yell and scream at me for the last 3 hours. Rizzo was still getting under my skin. He went to Franklins' door and was scratching at it. Just so you know he scratches at all doorways, no idea why. But he and Osgood both love Franklin's room. Often they get shut in there by accident. Osgood whines to get out, which we hate because it sometimes wakes Franklin up. Rizzo will be in there all night, and not care at all. But now that I struggled to get Franklin to sleep, I didn't want Rizzo clawing at the door. So I shut him in the bathroom.

Later I was cleaning out the cat boxes, and if you have a cat you understand this part (unless you're lucky and you cat doesn't do this). Rizzo wanted in the box I was cleaning, he also wanted to know everything I was scooping out, as well as making a bigger mess with the litter that got on the floor. He needed to check out the area where the cat box was, and of course he had to try and play with the broom as I'm cleaning up. He also wants to play with, and tear at the bag that I just put his mess in.

Two days earlier he knocked a plate off the desk and broke it. So he has been on a roll all week thus far. Now I'm gathering up all the trash around the house. He LOVES plastic bags, particularly if it has trash in it. Finally I've had enough so back in the bathroom he goes. Just as I get outside our door I slice my right big toe on a piece of plate that was sticking out the bottom of the bag, silly me I didn't see it. Luckily Stephen was coming home at that time anyway. He quickly got some things to help it seal better so we didn't have to take me in to get stitched. Plus I didn't want to wake Franklin up for anything.

Now on a happier note; Rizzo LOVES even more than anything in the world, to play fetch. We still have yet to capture it on tape. He will bring these toy mice from anywhere in the house to play with you. On Sunday (April 27th) my friend Whitney and her husband were over for dinner, and Rizzo was all the entertainment. Blaine even asked how much we'd take for him. He played fetch all night. Finally when they left, Rizzo sat himself by the door for a while. Today he followed me all around the house as I was cleaning, and later as I was trying to get Franklin and I ready to go out for a walk. Whenever I paused at a spot, he'd drop the mouse at my feet. When I moved he picked it back up again and followed me. It was too adorable.

p.s. If you haven't had a chance to vote for me yet, please, please do. I'm really trying to have a shot at this one, and I would love not to have to wear glasses anymore. Franklin makes it frustrating to have glasses, and when I take them off, Rizzo chews on them (seriously, I can't win with that cat, not yet anyway). And a huge THANK YOU to those who have voted for me, I super appreciate it!!!!!! Thank you :)

*Somebody's birthday is coming up soon!
And don't forget to check out our Picasa Web Album for new pictures and videos.